But experts are hailing the latest discovery as a "unique" find with international significance.

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It is not known why the Leekfrith Iron Age Torcs were buried, but it could have been for safekeeping, an offering to the gods, or as an act of remembrance.
The decoration on the sole bracelet has excited experts because it is thought to be some of the earliest Celtic art from Britain.

Dr Julia Farley, curator of British and European Iron Age collections for the British Museum, said: "This unique find is of international importance. It dates to around 400-250 BC, and is probably the earliest Iron Age gold work ever discovered in Britain.

PA:Press Association

PA:Press Association

The find is believed to include the earliest examples of Iron Age gold ever discovered in Britain

PA:Press Association

Joe Kania and Mark Hambleton made the discovery at the end of 2016

"The torcs were probably worn by wealthy and powerful women, perhaps people from the continent who had married into the local community.

"Piecing together how these objects came to be carefully buried in a Staffordshire field will give us an invaluable insight into life in Iron Age Britain."

Asked if there could be more finds awaiting discovery, she added: "It's hard to know – we'll never know unless people find things."

There are hopes the collection, thought to be from Europe and most likely Germany or France, can now be secured for Stoke as it bids to be 2021 UK City of Culture.

An inquest heard the torcs' gold content was at least 80 percent, with each piece weighing between 230g (8oz) and 31g (1oz).

Mr Smith raised laughter in the public gallery, by joking: "Even as scrap, that's still worth a bob or two?"

When was the Iron Age?

The Iron Age of Britain follows the period from about 800 BC to the Roman invasion in 43 AD.

It saw the gradual introduction of iron working technology which was once believed to have been influenced by foreign invasions.

Throughout this time period Britain's population swelled to one million, according to historians.

Taking evidence from Teresa Gilmore, antiquities expert, he asked: "Are these Brits who've gone over (to Europe) on a spending spree or who emigrated from Europe?"

She replied it was possible there were up to three original female owners, who may have emigrated and married into local tribes.

Mr Smith said the craftsmanship of the torcs, one of which has a maker's mark, appeared to be "outstanding".

He added: "This must rank as one of the most exciting treasure finds I have ever dealt with - not quite in the same league as the Staffordshire Hoard, but nevertheless exciting."

A group of independent antiquities experts, the Treasure Valuation Committee, will now estimate what the haul is worth.

The pieces will be displayed at the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery in Stoke for the next three weeks.

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